IMPROVED ROADS AND RETURN OF FREE CAR PARKING - RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION BUDGET FOR 2010/11

An additional £200,000 for road and pavement repairs, restoring free car parking and reducing Special Responsibility Allowances for councillors were features of the Residents' Association 2010/11 budget proposals (see below for key items) which were considered by Full Council this week. The proposals also set out a further saving of £100,000 on council expenditure which would have translated into a 0.5% reduction in council tax for next year.

However, the Conservative Administration voted against the proposals and finally agreed a council tax of £1,505 (Band D Property) for 2010/11.

RA Key Budget Growth Items (£555k) -

Restoring Free Car Parking to out-of-town centres

Increase budget for Historic Buildings in Havering

Increase budget for reactive Tree Management Programme

Further £200,000 for Road and Pavement repairs

troduce enhanced facility for school uniform grants

RA Key Budget Savings Items (£655k) -

Rationalising expenditure on equipment, furniture & fittings

Reducing publicity and information

Reducing Special Responsibility Allowances for councillors

Net reduction of £100k

The RA budget amendments were proposed by Cllr Ray Morgon, Shadow Cabinet Member for Resources), in which he outlined the priorities included in the RA proposals and set out how further savings could be achieved.

Cllr Morgon said: “it is very important to us that resources are used prudently and in line with residents expectations. I believe that the proposals we have set out meet those expectations and, while delivering a further reduction on the proposed decrease, serve to demonstrate our commitment to the residents of Havering.”

Leader of the Residents' Association Group, Cllr Clarence Barrett, said: “A reduction in council tax is, of course, to be welcomed, but we do need to examine the motivation behind the cut. For example, would there have been a cut if there were not a local election in a couple months?

“O ur approach is to focus on priorities and to respond to the needs of the community. This is done by placing the interests of the people first and foremost and to provide a public service that is based on need and prudence rather than smoke and mirrors.

Click below to read the Budget Council Speech of :

Cllr Clarence Barrett (Leader of the Opposition)

25.2.10